Tigers retain Rodney, Thames for $5M

The Detroit Tigers re-signed relief pitcher Fernando Rodney and outfielder Marcus Thames to one-year contracts on Wednesday.

Rodney, 31, will receive $2.7 million US next season, while Thames struck a deal for $2.275 million US.

Rodney emerged as Detroit's closer over the final two months of last season, posting a career-high 13 saves in 19 opportunities.

The Dominican right-hander finished 0-6 with a 4.91 earned-run average in 38 relief appearances, striking out 49 batters and walking 30 over 40 1/3 innings.

He is 13-25 lifetime with a 4.25 ERA and 33 saves in 235 appearances since he broke into the major leagues with the Tigers on May 4, 2002.

Thames, also 31, hit .241 with 25 home runs, 56 runs batted in and 37 runs scored in 103 games last season, his fifth for Detroit.

He is a career .243 hitter with 88 HRs, 225 RBIs and 197 runs scored in 398 games over seven MLB seasons with the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and Tigers.